The SS Tararua hit Otara reef 8 miles off Waipapa point in 1881. 131 people lost their lives making it the worst civilian shipping disaster in New Zealand's history. Of the 151 passengers and crew only 20 survived. Many of the dead were buried in this plot of land. The court of inquiry recomended that all steamships should have lifebelts for all passengers( the Tararua had only 12) and that a lighthouse be built at Waipapa Point. The lighthouse began operating in 1884.
Access is best made from the parking area at the bend in the road. It is sign posted but maybe closed in lambing season. Sept/Oct. If this is the case access can be made from the beach or a rough route that follows the fence line starting further down the road. It takes a bit over 5 minutes to walk diagonally across the paddock to the site.